In my life, I’ve woken up to many things: dogs wanting to go outside, babies crying, dorm fire alarms going off, delightful lovers, the announcement that the plane was about to land. But this morning was a first. I woke up to a text, from my painter friend – Traeger, that said, “Would you consider modeling nude for my drawing class?”
You’ll be thrilled to know that my very first thought was, I can write about this!
The reality is that I’m totally game. I mean, what do I spend my time here writing about anyway? Life really, as a writer. Exploring the experiences of life through words. And this, my friends, will certainly be an experience.
It took me a couple of hours to acknowledge the ‘nude’ part of the equation. Wait…nope…yeah, no…I haven’t quite let that sink in yet. I’m too caught up in the rest of it.
Like the fact that they think it’s a great idea if I bring my laptop and pose with it – so that I can write while I pose, so that I can live tweet this experience. Like the fact that one of the artists is kind of a big deal. Like the fact that I will be doing something I’ve never done before, something that requires cajones. Like the fact that I’ll get paid (that doesn’t make me a hooker, right?).
Just one last question, do you think I’m really going to have to take my clothes off?
Stay tuned…’cause obviously there’s going to be a part deux.
Image credit: apc33
the whole earth will thank you, Julie.
Sounds fun. You don’t strike me as someone who is afraid of nudity.
my background is in art and design and i’ve spent many hours with nude life models…believe me, artists have such high respect for their models – nobody will think you’re a hooker ;-) – and they’ll love you for doing it! can’t wait for part two!
I keep a few little quotes on my wall as reminders. One is the Marianne Williamson quote about “there is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t fee unsure around you… as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” Another is the newest, which I am really embracing, “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”
This may be a life-expanding moment for you Julie. Were it me, I imagine shrinkage would be more the order of the day!
Can’t wait to hear how this plays out.
I moved to San Francisco fresh out of college and an art degree and promptly got engaged. My fiance had no experience with art and was suspicious when I told her I was going to an art center nearby to do some figure drawing. I think she envisioned a buxom Playboy model coming out and posing sexily for a group of horny guys. She asked to come along, to which I said sure. I brought an extra drawing pad and she would borrow my pencils and charcoal as she needed.
The studio was set up typically. with the artists sitting at drawing benches in a circle around the riser. We got ready and out walked the model in a robe. A MALE model in a robe. My fiance pretty much turned about 5 shades of scarlet as he disrobed and stood before her in his glory. I was really, truly cracking up inside as I knew her challenge to me had just been turned on her head.
She actually recovered her cool nicely and we spent the next 2-3 hours drawing. She learned a lot about drawing that day, in particular about male anatomy. She learned that figure drawing is just about the least sexual thing one can do with a nude body, even IF it’s of the ‘smokin’ hot’ variety. She never worried about me drawing or teaching figure drawing after that because she knew it really wasn’t about sex the way one’s imagination might think.
It was one of the funniest episodes of our relationship and we laughed about it for many many years thereafter.
Robin – thank you. That was too kind. I know you’ve seen my naked hip and all…so I believe you.
I look at the beautiful painting you made for me all day – and it brings me so much joy!!!
Edgy – maybe if I could pose with my PD? But seriously. Nudity is good. A bunch of men (and women? not sure) staring at you naked under lights for 2 hours? Well, this could go either way.
I know we bloggers are tough sorts who will do anything for a post! This is a great example.
I admire your willingness, I’d be way too self-conscious! I’ll be looking for part 2
Love it. My father was an artist and did many paintings of my mom–nude. I used to look at them and giggle…a lot. Then I went to RISD for summer art classes when I was 13. I took figure drawing as my first class. Enter the naked man. Well, he had shoes on. My first glance at the male anatomy in full form. Oh, my. I did it. Loved the class. Learned so much and all of the models were awesome. Rock on, Julie Roads.
…and no, this doesn’t make you a hooker. It makes you cooler than you already are.
Would your answer be different if it was not just for an art class but included student photographers who could potentially take those pictures to online portfolios?
I didn’t need any more evidence that you have cajones Julie! Thank you for continuing to inspire me with your courage to go head on with challenges that most of us hide from, and even more for having the courage to share it all with us!
Thanks, Joanne. Honestly, your comment came right as my finger was hovering over the ‘publish’ button on part 2 (the one with the pictures). You sent me right over the edge. xox
Ari – I’d say yes. But if they were arty photography, no.